MUSE - Becoming a Peer Mentor
How Does an SJSU Student Become a Peer Mentor?
In order to be a Peer Mentor, you must be admitted to the mentoring program, complete a 3-unit course in Spring 2010, and receive supervision while serving as a mentor.
The first step in becoming a mentor is to complete and return the application form. The next step is an interview with the Director of the Peer Mentor Program, and other Peer Mentors, to talk over your application and specifics of the program. This is a chance for all of us to get to know each other better and to answer any questions you or we may have. After careful consideration of the applications and interview, we will notify those who are accepted into the program.
The new class of future mentors will enroll in a 3 credit class for Spring. This course focuses on mentoring skills including good communication skills and technology skills. Finally, those students who have successfully completed the coursework, and who are accepted to become peer mentors, will be hired by SJSU and will be supervised to assist students in the MUSE classrooms and to offer a range of student-centered activities. Those students who choose to continue with the program will then receive opportunities to serve as Peer Mentors in a Fall MUSE class and work in the Peer Mentor Center.
Qualifications of a Peer Mentor:
- Academic success at SJSU measured by a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Sensitivity to and interest in issues of diversity
- Willingness to learn technology skills
- Enthusiasm for the university, its students, faculty, staff, academic and co-curricular life
- Commitment to encourage students to achieve SJSU goals and ideals
- Interest in performing an important SJSU service and working as a team member with a MUSE professor and the MUSE program
What are the Duties and Responsibilities of
Peer Mentors?
- Help new students adjust to SJSU and empower themselves to become academically successful
- Provide individualized assistance with academics, technology, navigating the university and campus resources, basic study skills, classroom communication skills, writing assignments, and web research
- Establish meaningful and sustained learning relationships
- Help students with personal concerns (e.g. parking, housing, making friends, peer pressure, loneliness) and act as a buddy
- Enroll in Peer Mentor Course
- In Fall:
- Attend all MUSE classes and MUSE extracurricular activities
- Assist in facilitating classroom discussions relating to academic coping skills (e.g. how to approach assignments and use technology) as determined in consultation with the MUSE faculty
- Meet with their MUSE students individually and in groups
- Serve as a liaison for student feedback to the instructor
- Serve as a mentor for academic, co-curricular, and leadership involvement
- Serve as a mentor in the Peer Mentor Center
Peer Mentors Receive the Following Benefits:
- Competative wage
- Flexible scheduling (from 3 to 20 hours a week in Fall semester (a typical amount is 10 hours a week)
- Three units of course credit after taking a Peer Mentor training course
- Priority course registration
- Laptop computer for use while working in the program
- Knowledge, experience, and self-confidence
- Opportunity to build close friendships with other bright and supportive students
- Experience in classroom teaching
- Sense of accomplishment while performing a valuable and respected community/university service
- Enhanced skills in interpersonal communication, mentoring, student success, and technology
- References for future job applications
- Reduced rate parking
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